Troy Patton--2008
As we head into the 2011 Season,
Spring Training appears in our rear view
mirror.
And while numerous players' cards
throughout the years have had spring
training as a backdrop, none that we can
remember had a background quite like
that in Troy Patton's 2008 cardboard.
Standing along the railing on the second
level walkway outside the Astros offices
and clubhouse that are located down the
left field line at Osceola County Stadium
in Kissimmee, FL, Patton was stopped
for a moment by the Topps
photographer for this picture.
With a serious look, Patton stares down
the photographer as if he is about to hurl
one of his 90-mph heaters or one of his
big sweeping curve balls. Yet, the
seriousness of the situation is lost, as
players mill around in the background.
Opening Day is tomorrow... it is time to
put the casual times of Spring Training
into the background and face a new
season--- a 162-game race for the
playoffs.
"Play Ball!"
Editor's Note: A highly touted prospect,
Patton tossed 12-2/3 innings of
respectable ball in going 0-2, 3.55 for
the Astros the season before this card
came out. At age 21, the future looked
bright for the hard-throwing lefty as he
was shuttled as a main piece of a deal
that sent him to the Orioles for shortstop
Miguel Tejada in December of 2007.
However, his career took a turn south as
he missed the 2008 season due to
shoulder surgery. He would climb back
to the majors in 2010, grabbing one
appearance. Yet, it was a special outing,
as you can read in this piece:
Facebook Unites O's Patton with
Half-Sister
This spring the southpaw saw limited
mound time with the O's as he had a
tumultuous off-season that saw Patton
charged with a DWI offense back in
January. His court date is scheduled for
today, March 30th... and we trust that
Patton will have the same serious look as
he faces the judge in preparation for the
toughest batter he has ever faced.
It is time for a new season... and
hopefully a new beginning for Troy
Patton.
(3/30/11)
Spring Training appears in our rear view
mirror.
And while numerous players' cards
throughout the years have had spring
training as a backdrop, none that we can
remember had a background quite like
that in Troy Patton's 2008 cardboard.
Standing along the railing on the second
level walkway outside the Astros offices
and clubhouse that are located down the
left field line at Osceola County Stadium
in Kissimmee, FL, Patton was stopped
for a moment by the Topps
photographer for this picture.
With a serious look, Patton stares down
the photographer as if he is about to hurl
one of his 90-mph heaters or one of his
big sweeping curve balls. Yet, the
seriousness of the situation is lost, as
players mill around in the background.
Opening Day is tomorrow... it is time to
put the casual times of Spring Training
into the background and face a new
season--- a 162-game race for the
playoffs.
"Play Ball!"
Editor's Note: A highly touted prospect,
Patton tossed 12-2/3 innings of
respectable ball in going 0-2, 3.55 for
the Astros the season before this card
came out. At age 21, the future looked
bright for the hard-throwing lefty as he
was shuttled as a main piece of a deal
that sent him to the Orioles for shortstop
Miguel Tejada in December of 2007.
However, his career took a turn south as
he missed the 2008 season due to
shoulder surgery. He would climb back
to the majors in 2010, grabbing one
appearance. Yet, it was a special outing,
as you can read in this piece:
Facebook Unites O's Patton with
Half-Sister
This spring the southpaw saw limited
mound time with the O's as he had a
tumultuous off-season that saw Patton
charged with a DWI offense back in
January. His court date is scheduled for
today, March 30th... and we trust that
Patton will have the same serious look as
he faces the judge in preparation for the
toughest batter he has ever faced.
It is time for a new season... and
hopefully a new beginning for Troy
Patton.
(3/30/11)
